Expat insurance customers may wish to research the symptoms of ovarian cancer.

A recent study revealed only four per cent of women could confidently identify one feature of this disease, according to Frances Reid, director of public affairs and communications at Target Ovarian Cancer, targetovariancancer.org.uk.

She called this figure "shockingly low" and called for large-scale awareness campaigns to raise the number.

"Women need to know this," the expert said.

Ms Reid noted that official advice issued to medical practitioners and females states some of the signs a person has this condition include difficulties in eating and feeling full more quickly.

Bloating and abdominal pain are also common indicators, as is the need to urinate more often than usual, she asserted.

The expert urged people who have had "any or all of these symptoms 12 times or more" within a month to discuss ovarian cancer with their GP.

Ladies "need to be vigilant for symptoms", Ms Reid declared, with late diagnosis causing unnecessary deaths.

Females can reduce their risk of suffering from this ailment by 45 per cent by taking the oral contraceptive for at least ten years, research undertaken by the European Prospective Investigation of Cancer and published in the British Journal of Cancer revealed.

Women who had been on the Pill for any period of time were 15 per cent less likely to develop this condition than those who had never taken this product at all.

Getting pregnant and giving birth to more than one child also negatively affected ovarian cancer rates, but oral contraceptives were the most significant, the study found.

Ms Reid said: "Target Ovarian Cancer welcomes this news".

However, she pointed out this represents a reduction in risk, so taking the Pill will not guarantee women protection from this condition.

Cancer Research UK epidemiologist and co-author of the study Naomi Allen explained that the illness is usually difficult to detect.

Expatriate Group & Expatriate Healthcare are trading styles of Strategic Insurance Services Limited who is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). FCA Firm reference Number is 307133. Strategic Insurance Services Limited is authorised to carry on Regulated Activities in accordance with the permissions granted by the FCA under PART IV of the Financial Services and Markets ACT 2000.

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.AcceptRead More